McLaren 50 12C & 12C Spider celebrate McLaren’s 50th anniversary

McLaren say they will be building a maximum of 50 each of the 50 12C Coupe and 12C Spider to mark the occasion, both of which get special features provided by McLaren Special Operations – the same McLaren division that created the 12C High Sport. That means a new front bumper which has been optimised by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for more downforce, extra carbon fibre and kevlar exterior bits, ceramic brakes, 19″ front and 20″ rear alloys, full leather, extra carbon fibre in the cabin, a heritage badge and a numbered plaque. There will be the option of three colours for the 50th anniversary 12Cs - Carbon Black, Supernova Silver and, of course, McLaren Orange – and each car will get its own silver car cover, a limited edition key in a carbon fibre box and a signed art print (sadly, there’s no sign of a tool chest or Tag Heuer watch).

European Car of the Year shortlist 2010

The shortlist of entries for the 2010 European Car of the Year award were announced today. No doubt bound to cause controversy with our readers, the cars which made it onto this year’s seven-strong shortlist are: • Citroën C3 Picasso• Mercedes-Benz E-class• Opel/Vauxhall Astra• Peugeot 3008• Skoda Yeti• Toyota iQ• Volkswagen Polo Chosen by automotive journalists from all over Europe, the competition will come to a close at the end of the year when an all-out winner is announced. Vauxhall took top honours in 2009's contest, with its Insignia stealing top spot from Ford’s new Fiesta by a single point.

Spyker announces future product plans for Saab

Spyker revealed its product plans for Saab on Monday, and they envision a core lineup of three or four model lines rooted in a premium image. Spyker says Saab will be anchored by the 9-3, the 9-4X and the 9-5. A smaller car line, the 9-1, could be added, though it's not part of the current plan.